ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets Australian Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matthew Canavan
(Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today held a meeting with Australian Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator the Hon. Matthew Canavan. Both Ministers stressed on the importance of energy and resources in the bilateral relationship, and agreed to expand the scope of cooperation given that India offers a large energy market and Australia is rich in natural resources particularly coal and LNG, apart from Uranium.
Shri Pradhan mentioned that India is already an importer of LNG from Australia. Given India’s major initiatives to move into a gas-based economy, there is significant scope for expanding LNG imports from Australia. He also mentioned that Indian consumer is price sensitive, and therefore affordability of LNG imports from Australia will be an important factor in enhancing cooperation in this area. Minister Canavan underlined Australia’s commitment to expand its ties with India, and highlighted its position as a reliable partner in meeting India’s energy security needs. Shri Pradhan called for greater investment flow from Australia to India and sharing of best practices.
Minister Pradhan also called for greater cooperation in the area of coking coal. He said there is need for coordination between two countries by bringing together Ministries responsible for Coal, Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel of each side to achieve greater synergy and enhance bilateral energy cooperation. He further added that India being the largest importer of Australian metallurgical coal, a favourable differential pricing mechanism should be worked out. Minister Pradhan also pointed that opportunities for collaboration will continue to expand as India’s energy mix evolves.
The two dignitaries agreed to build further on a wide range of energy resources, which have a multiplier effect on the economy, in the coming months so that the energy pillar of bilateral engagement can be strengthened.
YB
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence to launch a special campaign to celebrate Armed Forces Flag Day and encourage the public to contribute towards the welfare of disabled ex-servicemen, war widows & children of martyrs
Since 1949, 7th December is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought on our borders to safeguard the country's honour.
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund was setup in 1993 to extend support to disabled ex-servicemen, war widows, children of martyrs and other such beneficiaries who need our care and support.
This year the Ministry of Defence is organizing a weeklong digital campaign from 1st to 7th December 2017which shall be celebrated as the Armed Forces Week. The campaign will endeavour to bring together the entire nation to express solidarity with the Armed Forces Personnel.
The aim of the campaign to generate awareness about the ‘Armed Forces Flag Day Fund’ and encourage people to contribute generously. Several cashless payment methods have been setup and made available. You can send your contributions via PayTM number ‘8800462175’ & UPI code: armedforcesflagdayfund@sbi .To contribute using Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking log on to ksb.gov.in/armed-forces-flag-day-fund.htm
You can show your sense of pride by wearing the flag representing three services from1st to 7th December 2017. These flags are available at all government offices. Alternatively, you can also download the printable version of the flag from ksb.gov.in
This campaign falls under the Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman’s aim to ensure full support to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families, a priority she enunciated immediately after taking charge of the Ministry.
(
Ministry of Power
Shri R.K Singh inaugrates Conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of State/ UTs
The conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of State/ UTs is being held during 14th - 15th October, 2022 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Inaugural session was chaired by Shri R.K. Singh , Union Minister of Power and NRE. Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State of Power was also present. The event was also attended by Deputy CM/ Power/ NRE Ministers along with Principal Secretaries of States and UTs.
Shri R.K Singh highlighted the achievements made in the recent years in power sector in terms of surplus generation capacity, development of national grid, universal access to all households and improved supply to rural areas and congratulated all the dignitaries for their objective support and contribution.
It was highlighted that for the last 4-5 months, the demand for electricity has been growing at about 11%. But the government have managed to meet the demand, even at a time when there is a global energy crisis. Coal prices have increased internationally but we have managed to keep electricity prices under control.
It was informed that India is the only major economy whose actions are in line with limiting global temperature rise to sub 2 degree. India’s per capita emissions are only 1/3rd of the world’s average, however the developed countries are at 3-5 times the world’s average.
Shri Singh highlighted that we have achieved universal access to electricity, however existing challenges like continuous availability of 24x7 quality power, cyber security of the national grid, renewable energy integration etc. need to be addressed through policy action and through collaboration and cooperation with all stakeholders.
It was emphasized that our demand is set to double by 2030, for which huge capacities will be required to be added, which in turn will require huge capital investments. Capital investments would also be required for modernizing the power systems and promoting new technologies like Green Hydrogen, Storage, Offshore wind etc. to help India achieve its energy transition trajectory. To this end, it is absolutely imperative that the DISCOMS across the country follow prudent and sustainable financial practices to ensure that they are viable.
The Union Power and NRE Minister sought the cooperation from the States in achieving the ambitious goals that are set before the power sector.
The report on performance of Power Utilities was also released today.
Special Service and Features
1.281 Kgs of Gold worth if 59.70 Lakhs and electronic worth if 4.86 Lakhs & 1706.05 karat of precious stones worth if 23.13 Lakhs seizure by Chennai Air Customs
Based on intelligence, two male Passengers Shri Raheem Abdul Hameed S/o Abdul Hameed resident of no.6, palaniammankoil north, triplicane, Chennai and Shri Mohamed Asif S/o Basheer Ahmed, 7/11,madhavaperumal, south street, Alandur, Chennai who arrived from Dubai by Air India airlines flight AI906 on 28.08.2022 at 05:10 hours were intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On search of their person and baggages, 3 bundles of Gold in paste form were found concealed in their rectum & two gold bars, two gold bits and two gold chains in person which resulted in recovery of 1.281 Kgs of Gold valued at Rs 59.70 Lakhs from both passengers. Further, on examination of their baggages, assorted electronic goods valued at Rs. 4.86 Lakhs were also recovered from these passengers.
In another case, based on intelligence, a male named Shri Thangaraja S/o Duraisamy resident of 51, F.H Mawatha balangoda, Sri Lanka who arrived from Colombo by Srilankan Airlines flight UL121 on 28.08.2022 were intercepted by Chennai Air Customs Officers. On search of their persons and baggages, 6 bundles of precious stones were found concealed in his rectum which resulted in recovery of 1706.05 karat of precious stones valued at Rs. 23.13 Lakhs from the passenger and same was seized under Customs Act, 1962.
Further investigations under progress, according to a press release issued by K.R.Uday Bhaskar, Pr.Commissioner of Customs Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NH projects in Uttar Pradesh
Union minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said construction of 2 flyovers of 2.5 km length at Kushinagar, place of Lord Buddha's Parinirvana in Uttar Pradesh has been sanctioned with a budget of Rs. 42.67 crore .
In a series of tweets he said these flyovers will be completed in 18 months. He said with their construction, the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists will be facilitated and the problem of traffic jam of local people will be solved.
Shri Gadkari further said construction of Greenfield connectivity to Jewar International Airport  from DND Faridabad - Ballabhag Bypass KMP link in Gautam Budh Nagar district under Bharatmala project in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana with a budget of Rs 2,414.67 crore has been approved.
He said this road will be constructed on hybrid annuity mode with a total length of 31.425 km. The construction period will be 2 years and it will also connect Agra, Mathura and West UP, he added.
Ministry of Science & Technology
ASEAN- India S&T meeting highlights need to leverage more on S&T to bridge urban & rural divide with focus on affordable technologies
The Meeting of The Governing Council of ASEAN-INDIA Science and Technology Development Fund  highlighted the importance of India's ASEAN technology partnership for prosperity of today and for the next generations.
“India recognizes that science and technology will be the enabling tool to meet the unmet needs of society and address the global challenges that we all face. We therefore need to leverage more on science and technology to bridge disparities between urban and rural divide with focus on affordable technologies for inclusive development, economic growth, and employment generation. We, therefore, need to leverage more on science and technology to bridge disparities between urban and rural divide with focus on affordable technologies for inclusive development, economic growth, and employment generation,” Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology  and Chair of India ASEAN Working Group said during the GC-AISTDF-8 meeting.
The India ASEAN Science and Technology partnership encompasses all aspects of Research and Innovation, essential for both nations to achieve new heights together. Through the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund  and the Plans of Action for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity, the collaboration extends to various areas like blue economy, healthcare, climate action, and sustainable development. The aim is to leverage science and technology to bridge disparities between urban and rural areas, with a specific focus on developing affordable technologies.
While highlighting the remarkable progress in India and ASEAN relations, which have grown into a multi-dimensional partnership in recent years, Dr. Gokhale emphasized the significance of using science and technology to positively impact the lives of people, enhance human capacity and excellence, and contribute to the knowledge economy of both countries.
Chair of the ASEAN COSTI and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications of Brunei Darussalam, Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof said that India is the only dialogue partner allocating exclusive development fund for ASEAN-India S&T cooperation which has resulted in several research and capacity building initiatives.
Several DST officials attended the meeting that took place in the year of the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations which was celebrated with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region, elevating the partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership and envisioning a broader vision for the future.
During the meeting, the ongoing joint cooperation initiatives between ASEAN and India were discussed. The commitment to furthering cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between India and ASEAN reflects a shared vision to address pressing challenges and drive growth and development in the region.
Ministry of Defence
NAVAL COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE 22/2
31 OCT - 03 NOV 22
The second edition of Naval Commanders' Conference of 2022 is scheduled from 31 Oct to 03 Nov 22 at New Delhi. The conference serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to discuss important maritime matters at the military-strategic level through an institutionalised forum. Due to the dynamic and fast-paced developments in security imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region  as well as in other parts of the world, the Conference has its own significance and relevance.
Amongst many issues being discussed, the Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other Naval Commanders will review major Operational, Materiel, Logistics, Human Resource Development, Training and Administrative activities undertaken by the Indian Navy in the last few months and further deliberate upon future plans for important activities and initiatives. The conference would also dwell upon the dynamics of the geostrategic situation of the region and the Navy’s readiness to deal with the same.
The Navy has focused on being a Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive force with a future-ready outlook and continues to assiduously execute its mandate. The Indian Navy has witnessed significant growth in its operational tasking over the years in consonance with India’s rising maritime interests. Indian Navy’s standing as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ has also grown concomitantly in recent times. Indian Navy is poised to counter all maritime security challenges emerging due to uncertain geo-strategic situations in IOR and beyond.
During the Conference, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will address and interact with the Naval Commanders on matters pertaining to national security. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force would also interact with the Naval Commanders to address the convergence of the three Services vis-à-vis the common operational environment, and avenues of augmenting Tri-Service synergy and readiness towards the defence of the nation and India’s national interests.
____________________________
VM/JSN
(Visitor Counter : 1682
Ministry of Power
NHPC inks MoU with PTC India Limited for sale of power to be generated from upcoming West Seti & Seti River-6 Projects in Nepal
NHPC Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with PTC India Limited for sale of power to be generated from upcoming West Seti & Seti River-6 Projects in Nepal, today at NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad.
The MoU was signed by Shri A.K. Singh, CMD, NHPC and Dr. Rajib K. Mishra, CMD, PTC India Limited. On this occasion, Shri R.P. Goyal, Director  Shri Biswajit Basu, Director , Shri V.R. Shrivastava, Executive Director  from NHPC and Shri Harish Saran, Executive Director , Shri Pankaj Goel, CFO and Shri Bikram Singh, EVP-Marketing from PTC India were also present.
As per the MoU, PTC shall purchase the Contracted Capacity from NHPC from date of commercial operation of above Projects for onward sale to the State Utilities/Discoms/Bulk Consumers on long term basis in India and neighboring countries. PTC shall also endeavor to sell any untied capacity on medium/short term basis or on power exchanges.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
India signs new Work Plan on Quality Infrastructure with Germany during Indo-German Working Group meeting in Berlin
The effort aims at reducing technical barriers to trade and promoting innovation and consumer protection
The Department of Consumer Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action signed the new Work Plan for 2023 during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure. The plan was signed in Berlin, Germany on 25 April 2023.
This year's Annual Meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the Working Group. Smt. Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs and Dr. Daniela Broenstrup, Director General, Digital and Innovation Policy, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action during the meeting emphasised the important role of the Working Group in reducing technical barriers to trade and promoting innovation and consumer protection.
The technical dialogues of the Working Group address key areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. In addition, they promote systemic harmonisation of quality infrastructure  at an international level.
The annual meeting was attended by stakeholders from both sides including the Bureau of Indian Standards , the German Institute for Standardization , the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies , other quality infrastructure organisations as well as industry associations including Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry .
The Stakeholders from QI bodies and industry provided insights on current QI developments in Germany and India. These included the Standards National Action Plan for India, as well as the German Standardization Roadmaps Circular Economy and Industries 4.0. Other contributions covered market surveillance activities in India, as well as applications of Artificial Intelligence  in market surveillance and the digital accreditation symbol.
The Work Plan 2023 is structured along the key elements of QI, including standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, legal metrology, product safety and market surveillance. It addresses cross-cutting topics like harmonised global solutions as well as sector-specific cooperation topics, such as digitalisation , circular economy, smart farming and machinery safety.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Ministry of Women and Child Development organizes countdown programme of International Yoga Day 2022
The Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the countdown programme of the 8th International Day of Yoga, here today. The objective of celebrating this day is to bring more citizens into the fold of the activities of International Day of Yoga, 2022 thereby spreading rewards of Yoga in terms of physical and emotional well-being.
The Minister of State, MWCD, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai graced the occasion with his presence and active participation. Secretary, MWCD and other officers / officials of Ministry of Women and Child Development actively took part in the program which was organized at the campus of National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development , Delhi.
According to the common protocol issued by the Ministry of Ayush, the officers were introduced to Yogasanas, Kapalbhati, Pranayama, Dhyna, Sankalpa and Meditation. The program was an endeavour to reinforce the message of "Yoga for Wellness" and contribute to convey the importance of Yoga that has grown multifold in the conscience of the public for its role in promotion of Holistic Health. This intensive drive "Yoga for Wellness" was successfully initiated as a part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Campaign’.
Ministry of Communications
Nine manifestation of Goddess Durga in Postage Stamps
Kolkata, October 23, 2020
The Department of Posts, West Bengal Circle is releasing a set of nine commemorative postage stamps on ‘Nine manifestation of Goddess Durga’ on the eve of Durgapuja . One special cover is releasing on each day of ensuing Navaratri and is dedicated to the particular form of Goddess Durga specific to that day. The process will end on 25th October.
The stamps are available for sale at the philately bureaus across West Bengal Circle, including the Kolkata GPO. The online portal www.epostoffice.gov.in can be used by oversees customers for purchasing these unique sysbols of Indian culture.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Generation of Renewable Energy
Details of the ongoing major Renewable Energy Schemes / Programmes
-
-
- Scheme for Development of solar parks and Ultra-mega Solar Power Projects with a target of setting up 40,000 MW capacity. Under the scheme, the infrastructure such as land, roads, transmission system , pooling stations, water feasibility is developed with all statutory clearances/ approvals. Thus the solar project developers have plug and play benefit.
- Central Public Sector Undertaking  Scheme Phase-II  for setting up 12,000 MW grid-connected Solar Photovoltaic  Power Projects by Government Producers with Viability Gap Funding  support, for self-use or use by Government/ Government entities, either directly or through Distribution Companies .
- Production Linked Incentive scheme ‘National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’ for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt  scale in High Efficiency Solar PV modules .
- PM-KUSUM Scheme to promote small Grid Connected Solar Energy Power Plants, stand- alone solar powered agricultural pumps and solarisation of existing grid connected agricultural pumps. The scheme is not only beneficial to the farmers but also States and DISCOMs. States will save on subsidy being provided for electricity to agriculture consumers and DISCOMs get cheaper solar power at tail end saving transmission and distribution losses.
- Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II for grid connected solar rooftop power plants. Under this Programme, subsidy is provided for residential sector and performance linked incentives to DISCOMs for achieving capacity addition in rooftop solar above baseline.
- Green Energy Corridors : to create intra-state transmission system for renewable energy projects. Central Financial Assistance  is provided to set up transmission infrastructure for evacuation of Power from Renewable Energy projects in total ten States .
- Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-I . Intra-State Transmission System Green Energy Corridor Phase-II
- Waste to Energy Programme : Programme on Energy from Urban, industrial and Agricultural Wastes/Residues
- Biomass Programme: Scheme to Support Manufacturing of Briquettes & Pellets land Promotion of Biomass  based cogeneration in Industries.
- Biogas Programme : for promotion of family type Biogas plants
- Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development  Programme .
- Human Resource Development Scheme with components such as short term trainings & skill development programmes, fellowships, internships, support to lab upgradation for RE and renewable energy chair.
- Information & Public Awareness 
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.